Unrest continues at Augustine Volcano. Seismicity has been relatively low but remains above background levels. Rockfalls and avalanches from the lava dome continue to be recorded by AVO seismic stations. Satellite and high-resolution near-infrared field images of the volcano show that a thermal anomaly in the summit area persists. Staff geologists, on the island yesterday, examined and sampled several flowage deposits emplaced during the 2006 eruption.

A plume composed of variable amounts of gas, steam, and small amounts of ash is likely being emitted intermittently from Augustine's summit. Occasional, very localized ash clouds and light ash fall will be produced by collapses from the lava dome.

During dome building eruptions, brief, energetic explosions can occur with little or no warning. Such explosions could produce larger amounts of ash leading to the formation of drifting ash clouds that could rise more than 25,000 feet above sea level.

Dome building eruptive activity will likely continue over the next few days or weeks and may continue intermittently over the next several months.

AVO is monitoring the situation closely and the observatory remains staffed 24/7. For up-to-date Ashfall Advisories and wind trajectories, please refer to the National Weather Service website: http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/augustine.php

RED significant eruption is occurring or explosive eruption expected at any time

VOLCANO INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET: http://www.avo.alaska.edu

RECORDING ON THE STATUS OF ALASKA'S VOLCANOES (907) 786-7478

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Chris Waythomas, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS

chris@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

Steve McNutt, Acting Coordinating Scientist, UAF-GI

steve@giseis.alaska.edu (907) 474-7131

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

VOLCANO ALERT LEVELS

NORMALVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

ADVISORYVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

WATCHVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.

WARNINGHazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

AVIATION COLOR CODES

GREENVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

YELLOWVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

ORANGEVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway with no or minor volcanic-ash emissions [ash-plume height specified, if possible].

REDEruption is imminent with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely OR eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere [ash-plume height specified, if possible].